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Step 1
If you have invoiced a client for services rendered and the amount has not been paid within the agreed upon time or within 30 days if no remittance deadline has been set, contact the client using the method you typically use to communicate. This conversation will probably take place over phone or email. Be very calm and polite, do not use accusations or threats and simply remind your client that you haven’t received payment for your work. If you’re lucky, you’ll be paid promptly.
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Step 2
If two more weeks pass and you still have not been paid, write a letter, not an email, to the client. Remind him of your previous conversation and state that you still have not received payment, but still maintain a polite tone and refrain from threats, legal or otherwise.
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Step 3
If another two weeks pass, send another more strongly worded letter. Be sure to send this letter via certified mail or another means that will ensure you receive receipt of acceptance. This way, you will have legal proof that the client has received your requests for payment.
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Step 4
You may continue to send certified letters or make phone calls at this point if you still have not been paid. Space these communications about two weeks apart to give your client time to respond. If you feel that this tactic is going nowhere, legal action is your final option.
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Step 5
Your two basic legal options are hiring a collection agency and taking the client to small claims court. Collection agencies typically do not charge a fee for attempting to collect, rather they charge a percentage of the amount ultimately collected. Small claims courts are only an option if the amount you seek is below a certain dollar amount that varies from state to state. If the amount owed is several thousand dollars or more, you may want to contact an attorney and compare her rates to those of the collection agencies at your disposal.
